Chinese envoy hopes PH’s curling gold sparks greater interest for winter sports among Pinoys

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian hailed the Philippine men’s curling team for winning the historic gold medal at the Asian Winter Games, hoping that it would spark greater enthusiasm for winter sports among Filipinos.

Huang said it was a dream come true for the “incredible” Philippine team, saying what started as a passion became a historic feat for the country.

“History made! The Philippines has won its first-ever gold medal today at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, claiming victory in Men’s Curling with a thrilling 5-3 win over South Korea!” the ambassador said in a Facebook post on Friday, Feb. 14.

The Chinese envoy marveled on how the Filipino team defied all odds to bring the gold medal home.

“From a dream to reality—this incredible team, made up of a banker, a construction worker, an electrician, and an entrepreneur, has defied all odds to bring home gold for the Philippines. What started as a passion project has now become a historic moment for Philippine winter sports!” he said.

“May this victory spark greater enthusiasm for winter sports in the Philippines and beyond!” he went on.

The Philippine team’s win marked the country’s first-ever podium finish in the Asian Winter Games which began nearly four decades ago.